As an adult, Platt lost three sons to gun violence. Are You Ready to Open a Child Care Business? Bennett andNunnenkampboughtat least 10 pounds of crystal meth every month, he said. I believe we can make a big change in the lives of people, he said. It was a no-brainer, especially given that she didn't know her boyfriend's connections included the powerful CJNG cartel. It is one of the largest amounts of the opioid painkiller NC. Vice officers confiscated three guns, around $15,000 and a quarter kilo of cocaine. You made choices, you decided to do what you decided to do and there are consequences, Platt said. Pam Kelley, a former Observer reporter and the author of Money Rock: A Familys Story of Cocaine, Race, and Ambition in the New South, said the ATV job was appropriate for the subject of her book. Organized drug trafficking still pervades the region. If you're not, then you sit there until those court dates happen. I could have given up, but I had to keep moving and I had to keep living, he said. WebAs the leader of a statewide drug ring, Antonio McKoy was connected enough to get bricks of cocaine from international cartels, careful enough to bury bags of cash around rural Explore the Learning Center and discover courses covering industry standard best practices in child care. "If I'm able to get a homicide trial or a violent crime trial in the court a month faster, a year faster, I think that does so much to increase the level of accountability and increase people's confidence in our justice system and increase safety on the streets and neighborhoods of Mecklenburg County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Hartigan is prosecuting the case. From an early age, Belton Platt says, he had a desire to help his people. Catalyzing Growth: Using Data to Change Child Care. "We have been in ongoing discussions with the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office and recognize their need to maximize prosecution resources during the pandemic," CMPD spokesperson Rob Tufano said in an email. Frank Lucas made his success as a drug trafficker by buying heroin directly from the Golden Triangle; one of the most extensive areas in the world producing and trafficking heroin until Afghanistan exceeded Asia in the early years of the 21st century. And when you're young and struggling, it can be hard to make ends meet unless you pursue someextra-legal means. That case stopped with him, but he was connected to the CJNG.. The couplegot their meth from different places. Asheville:(828) 271-4661. He's remained a critic of criminal justice reform in Mecklenburg County, especially as violence has increased. WebIt sent in at least five trusted, high-level cartel members who set up North Carolina stash houses and front businesses in metro Charlotte, Hickory (a suburban town of about Conaway said the meth is shipped in liquid form to Atlanta where it's converted to crystal meth and brought to the Charlotte-area, often in tractor-trailers. WebOver 20 kilograms of cocaine and heroin were sold on the streets. "And he'svery lucky thathe didnt die,Kaufman, the federal prosecutorwho tried the case against Saldana, said in his closing statement. TheMexican Americanworked 40 to 50 hours a week at two well-known construction companies driving a dump truck. Official websites use .gov Local man, called prolific drug dealer, sentenced to 30 years. If you understand the drug business, theyre like cockroaches. CJNGs high-potency meth started making its way into the region post-2011 through Atlanta, the cartels Southeast hub, Healy said. Charlotte Alerts. Once in Charlotte,cartel members wouldsend drugs to other North Carolina counties, as well as Virginia, Tennessee and South Carolina, Healy said. This case illustrates the devastating impact that violence fueled by drug trafficking can have on our communities. Drug traffickers, and the organizations they work with, use fear and violence to enrich themselves with little regard for the communities they destroy in the process. Jonathan Limehouse is a breaking news reporter and covers all major happenings in the Charlotte area. Emilio Mejia, Kevin Velasquez Melendez, Mauco Contreras, and Alejandro Ceballos are charged with additional counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In making todays announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray praised the outstanding efforts of special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John A. WebFAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Fayetteville police have seized nearly one ton of marijuana, 26 kilograms of cocaine and more than $3 million in cash -- the largest drug bust in city Back in his younger days, he was quite the hellraiser, to put it lightly. Instead, for now, the agency is maintaining its status quo. WebThe $4 Million and Drug Story From March 2019 to September 2019, Cheng Cam Yang led a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy operating in Caldwell County, North Carolina Nunnenkamp and Bennett joined forces after realizing they had the same CJNG connection, according to law enforcement. For her, the new policy is a full circle moment. Nunnenkampwas sentenced to 10 yearsin federal prison and is expected to be released in 2022. "It is well known that commercial trucking is one of, if not the single most common way that money and drugs are traversed to and from the Southwest border," Rowan County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy David Ramsey said. A federal jury convictedRoger Dale in July 2015 for drug trafficking and possession of firearms. Biggie began selling drugs at the age of 12, and dropped out of school at the age of 17 to pursue crime as a full-time career, according to Ready to Die, a biography chronicling his life. Lisa Dawnsaidshe knew one sourceof theirdrugswasthe Mexicans, but shed never heard of CJNG. A 21-year federal prison sentence later, Platt, now 57, is shedding the Money Rock nickname he earned during his drug-dealing heyday to focus on helping prevent others from going down the same destructive path. Detectives discovered the majority of the suspects in the case attended the same high schools in Fayetteville in the late 1970s. At a press conference at CMPD's Eastway division, the FBI announced 19 people were arrested as Expert architecture and design solutions for private carriers, next-generation metro and long-haul optical networks, ultra low-latency networks, and Internet backbones. Last Tuesday, Platt got a chance at redemption when city and Mecklenburg County officials named him the site supervisor for the new Alternatives to Violence program. Bennettreceived15 years and 8 months and will be released in December 2026. The FBI values our partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Supercharge your procurement process, with industry leading expertise in sourcing of network backbone, colocation, and packet/optical network infrastructure. Here's his take on giving dealers a pass. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department arrested 18 people and Carolina Coach & Marine is North Carolinas largest boat and RV dealer. This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). Evangelous says none of the four men saw the bust coming. Nunnenkamp,now 46,toldpolice he helped distributenearly 8pounds of meth at $20,000 a pound at Bennetts direction and helped count and package $120,000 to pay for more shipments from the Texas supplier. Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson's lucky to be alive with his drug dealing past. Rodolfo Medina and Martha Beltran are also facing charges of international money laundering, stemming from money transfers of drug proceeds wired to Mexico. Less than a decade old,MexicosCrtelJalisco NuevaGeneracin,better known as CJNG,hasfought its way to takeits place among the worlds largest drug networks, led by its ruthlessbutdisciplined leader, Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, better known as "ElMencho.". The federal charges announced today are the culmination of a 10-month investigation into a drug conspiracy responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin in the Western District. U.S. Attorney Murray also noted the invaluable assistance provided by the North Carolina National Guard Counterdrug Program. Because it's here, Mexican cartel in US: Rural folks who cant escape drug trade end up locked up or dead, A dangerous Mexican drug cartel has infiltrated the addicted, mountainous region of North Carolina. Puckett Williams knows what it's like to sit in jail on drug charges, waiting for her day in court, while battling addiction. Saldana we were never able to interview him, said a North Carolina state law enforcement official who didnt want to be namedbecause he wasnt authorized to discuss the case. There ain't nothing funky about that. 2018 Petabit Scale, All Rights Reserved. Have a question about Government Services? The arrangement unraveled after Nunnenkamp, Bennett, his girlfriend and roommate were all arrested in April 2013. Police arrested James Brown, Christopher Gause and Bryan Walker Tuesday for trafficking cocaine. Fayetteville police initiated a drug smuggling investigation in 2006, which has led to the biggest bust in the city's history. Maybe about a quarter of the time, (the dealer) will talk to us and tell us how it is. For 6 years a drug dealing group sold drugs in the Charlotte, NC area. Hehasrefused to cooperate with authorities. Police were able to proveto a jurythat Saldana smuggled about 20 pounds of methworthmore than $1 million, 1,500 miles to North Carolina and Virginia from Brownsville. We will not tolerate the destruction of lives through the scourge of the drug trade., Our community and our citizens are safer today because of the removal of a massive amount of drugs, weapons and cash that were destined to destroy lives, said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. Not only does Jay Z not hide his drug-dealing past, he credits it with teaching him the entrepreneurial skills he uses to build his fortune and brand, according to an article in Vanity Fair. Conaway said some of the meth goes to Virginia and then on to other major cities in the northeast, while some heads west to California. I will get it for you.. WebOne of North Carolina Most Notorious Drug Dealers caught slipping! While in Mexico in the summer of 2012, Saldana letanassociate live in a trailer on his property and run his drugtrade. His arrest removes yet another dangerous criminal from our streets and sends a clear message to others who may choose to follow the same perilous path. They have no regard for human life. Martha Olivia Placencia Beltran, 48, of Charlotte. Every Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Platt brings youth from all over Charlotte to a gym at New Shiloh Baptist Church. Quality Practices for Early Care and Education, OngoingTraining and Continuing Education. Platt was surrounded by violence during his adolescence, and even in his home. HICKORY, N.C. RogerDale Franklin and Lisa Dawn Wentworth got tired of waiting on the dope man. The money laundering charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Watching neighborhood drug dealers rake in cash without helping their community, Platt says, made him want to make all the money so he could give back. God was preparing me to come back to Charlotte.. Before Platt got out of prison in 2010, he said he stood up on a picnic table, looked up to heaven and said, Father I messed up my life, but whats left of my life, if you can use it, I give it to you to use for your glory, honor and praise., At that moment in my life, I didnt hear thunder roar or see lightning strike, so I knew God heard me, he said. Child Care Aware of America is dedicated to serving our nations military and DoD families. The department's Narcotics Vice Interdiction Team began its drug smuggling investigation in 2006. That was me, Platt said of Charlottes troubled youth. Police pulled them over after an illegal U-turn. Some people are raising chickens to fight high egg prices, In response to high egg prices, some are choosing to raise chickens instead, Kevin Durant scores 23 points in Charlotte in Suns debut, Very warm and rain-free for the first day of March, Weather is 95% favorable for a liftoff tonight, but teams are keeping an eye on weather along Dragons ascent corridor, Millions in cash found hidden in barrels with raw pork shoulders, CMPD: 18 arrested, $3.5 million worth of drugs seized after year-long investigation. Growing up in Jamaica, Queens, 50 Cent began selling crack and cocaine at the age of 12, while living with his grandmother. Across the country,the trend was similar. CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - The Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police (CMPD), conducted a major raid Wednesday morning in north Charlotte, targeting people who are accused of dealing crack cocaine. We were proud to provide this financial expertise as we worked alongside our law enforcement partners to bring these criminals to justice, said Matthew D. Line, Acting Special Agent in Charge for IRS-CI. "It's the largest bust that I know of in Fayetteville in my 25 years," said Captain Bobby Chapman, narcotic vice supervisor. "Increase in population equals increase in demand. According to CMPD records, officers have arrested more than 30 people on charges of possession and sale of cocaine and opium since December 1, 2020. Cunningham has remained a critic of criminal justice reform in recent years and once again, is left shaking his head by decisions in Mecklenburg County. It was during that time dealing that Jay Z learned that "you need to know what you can spend, what you need to re-up," a skill he still uses today as a club owner, clothing manufacturer, hip-hop artist, and sports agent, among many other things. U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of North Carolina, Eight Charged In Drug Conspiracy Operating In Mecklenburg County, South Carolina Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced To More Than 12 Years In Federal Prison, Bulk Fentanyl Trafficker Is Convicted Of Drug And Gun Charges, Prolific Wadesboro Methamphetamine Trafficker And Co-Conspirator Are Sentenced To Prison, Emilio Mejia, 28, of Charlotte. Conaway said there's now so much meth around here, crystal meth is almost just as affordable as high-grade marijuana. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The quantity of drugs, money, and firearms allegedly controlled by Daniels highlights the scale of heroin and cocaine trafficked into this community by local drug dealers with high-level ties to international drug trafficking organizations, said U.S. Attorney Byung J. BJay Pak. Daniels allegedly used these ties to flood this district with drugs and reap the financial benefits. They've been involved in the drug world for decades," Evangelous says. All arrests stem Brown is being held under a $150,000 bond and Gause is being held under a $450,000 bond. "It takes a lot of money, it takes a lot of manpower and it actually takes away from the things in the community that are happening that they could be focusing on," she said. Money Rock: A Familys Story of Cocaine, Race, and Ambition in the New South, I have blood in this. A former drug dealer will try to help curb Charlotte violence, Officials hopeful a newly named program can help cut violent crime in Charlotte, Expelled UNC student says he was targeted by women who falsely accused him of assault, Deputy rapes woman at traffic stop and tells her she wont be charged, Tennessee cops say. I commend the work and efforts of all the individual officers and agents involved in this investigation. 227 West Trade St. They are destroying families. Bennett's girlfriend, Tammy Wynette Woody, did not stand byher man. Along the way, CJNG relied on residents like Roger Dale and Lisa Dawn to deal its drugs to users people who would seamlessly blend with the local community without arousing suspicion. What do you want? As crazy as that sounds, he really did.. He said he sold drugs because he had to, adding, "I know that sounds corny, but this is the truth." WebHall, NC 27045 888-746-2351. The amount and frequency of his dealing varies depending upon the source. With egg prices on the rise, are more people buying chickens? Help us expose your local drug dealers for all of the world to see! CMPD declined WCNC Charlotte's request for an interview, but conceded, instead of arresting people, officers have the discretion to confiscate their drugs, write a report and move on. A gunsmith who liked cocaine would handmake their bullets, Lisa Dawn said. It was Williamswho started staking outSaldana'spropertyin 2010, often watching from the woods or taking down vehicletagscoming and going. Example video title will go here for this video. Chief Ralph Evangelous says Gause was their main target. ", RELATED: Iredell County deputies make three major drug arrests in the span of one week, ACLU Smart Justice Campaign Manager Kristie Puckett Williams calls Merriweather "a trailblazer. Attorneys Jennifer Dillon and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Lindahl of the U.S. Attorneys Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case. He said communities are seeing results from these investigative techniques. "I have to leave to law enforcement what they do on the street and what strategies they decide to employ," Merriweather replied. The FBI will continue to join forces with our state and local law enforcements partners to track down these offenders to end the deadly cycle of drug abuse in our communities, said John Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina. Those named in the indictment are: Rodolfo Medina, Jose Reyes, and Kevin Velasquez Melendez are also charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and possession with intent to distribute heroin. It didnt makeuserssick like homemade shake and bakemeth did,Lisa Dawn remembered. If it takes them to hurt somebody or kill somebody to achieve their goal, that's what they're going to do.". At the same time, he pursued a rap career, and began to see some success down that avenue. He preached in Conway for eight years, before he said the Lord spoke to him again. Two men face drug charges after the bust. That doesn't happen by being locked up. This investigation demonstrates the value of professional partnerships across jurisdictional lines and sharing resources to keep our communities safe, said Gastonia Police Chief Robert C. Helton. "We've seen increased cartel activity here," DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eric Conaway said. We are grateful for the hard work of all the federal agents, local officers and federal prosecutors who participated in this long term drug investigation. "Sometimes they send their own people to establish the network or sometimes it's just to oversee the distribution network and then other times, they recruit local gangs, people that are already in the area to do their business and distribute their drugs.". (arrested), Jose Javier Reyes, 19, of Charlotte. MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. As coronavirus pandemic-related court shutdowns continue to delay trials, Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather is taking drastic action in an effort to prosecute more homicides and violent crimes. We would go to McDonalds. "All of the decisions that we have to make with the few resources that we have are extremely serious and we have had to be thoughtful and there will be certainly some adjustments, but what we have experienced through this pandemic is not a one-year problem, it's not a two-year problem, it's a five- and 10-year problem and so we've got to figure out different strategies at serving the people of this county. Too many families have lost loved ones as a result of this epidemic, so every drug dealer taken off the street is potentially saving someones life,said Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey. Nunnenkampand Bennetteachpleadedguilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The arrests of these individuals are a testament to the high level of cooperation between our federal and local law enforcement counterparts as we work together to achieve our common goal: to disrupt drug networks from operating in this district and to stem the flow of drugs they pour into our communities, said U.S. Attorney Murray. Investigative reporter Kala Kachmar and photographer Alton Strupp traveled to Charlotte and rural counties in North Carolina to find out more about drug rings connected CJNG. Instead of jail, he spent some time in a boot camp, where he earned his GED, and eventually became one of the most successful rappers of all timebut not before getting shot nine times. Allen's trial was set for that following November and, according to Biography.com, it was during that one-month waiting period that Allen decided to give comedy a try, debuting at the Detroit Comedy Castle. Critically-acclaimed actor Mark Wahlberg wasn't always the clean-cut leading-man type he appears to be today. Agents say Charlotte's booming population is partly to blame. I said, God dang,we can do better than that., I said,Go prove it, Lisa Dawnremembered. we asked. WebBiggie began selling drugs at the age of 12, and dropped out of school at the age of 17 to pursue crime as a full-time career, according to Ready to Die, a biography chronicling his The deal was so big that the cartel members in This year's Symposium features five unique learning tracks, preview our concurrent sessions now. Lisa Dawn pleaded guilty to conspiracyto distribute meth in exchange for her testimony against Roger Dale. This poly-drug trafficker brazenly continued his drug trafficking activities despite having served time in federal prison for drug distribution. Charlotte, NC 28202, Charlotte: (704) 344-6222 She didnt know Roger Dale was dealing withacartel. But when asked about it during his appearance on George Lopez Tonight, Snoop Dogg said, "I might have sold her some of that white-girl weedtwigs and sticks.". Bobbie Overbey is charged with possession of the drug. CHARLOTTE, N.C. United States Attorney R. Andrew Murray announced today that eight individuals are facing federal drug conspiracy charges for their involvement in a narcotics distribution ring operating in Mecklenburg County. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( If you squash one, two more take its place, said Lt. Williams, who worked both Saldanas and Bennetts cases. 2023www.courier-journal.com. Feb 24, 2023. People liked what we had. It is unclear if they are involved in heroin trafficking. Stars, just like anyone else, have skeletons in their closets. ATF will continue to work collaboratively with our federal, state and local investigative partners to identify and apprehend violent career criminals and keep our communities safe, said Wayne Dixie, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). We're sure he found that to be a vast improvement on his life. Hereceiveda 40-year sentencebecause of his priorrecord. Before becoming an actor, Idris Elba worked a number of odd jobs: DJ, doorman, and drug dealer. The penalties associated with the drug charges range from a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of up to life in prison and a monetary fine of up to $10 million. His hardworking guisewas just whatCJNGwanted:Someonewithroots, a house,a joband a clean record. And many dealershave no idea theyre connected to a dangerous cartel, he said. She calls @CharMeckDA a trailblazer. ATLANTA Antonio DaShawn Daniels has been indicted on federal charges related to possession with the intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.. WebThe Drug Enforcement Administration has reported a notable increase in seizures of methamphetamine and cocaine that include fentanyl. Afterspending more than two years in federal prison,Lisa Dawn recalled the absurd lifestyleshe and Roger Dale had while running their small-town empire. - Anor Burnside Jr., 25, of 7547 Carrollburg Drive, Fayetteville -- Arrest Date: 4/3/06, - Stanley W. Darrigan, 46, of 996 Hildton Drive, Fayetteville -- Arrest Date: 6/15/06, - Jeane Darrigan, 46, of 996 Hilton Drive, Fayetteville -- Arrest Date: 6/15/06, - William M. Darrigan, 25, of 996 Hilton Drive, Fayetteville -- Arrest Date: 6/15/06, - Harold M. Monsour, 47, of 1905 Morganton Road, Fayetteville -- Arrest Date: 6/15/2007, - Robert Hamilton, 47, of 343 Edinburgh Drive, Fayetteville -- Arrest Date: 1/18/2007, - Margaret L. Hamilton, 44, of 343 Edinburgh Drive, Fayetteville -- Arrest Date: 1/18/2007, - Anthony Russell Wolfe, 35, of 1217 Pamalee Drive, Fayetteville -- Arrest Date: 1/28/2007, - David E. King, Jr., 39, of 25809 Lake Water Drive, Huffman, Texas -- Arrest Date: 2/22/2007. #Defenders pic.twitter.com/xxObFDf5W1. This investigation is a good example of what ATF agents do on a daily basis. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Records show since Dec.1, CMPD officers have made more than 30 arrests for possession of hard drugs or intent to sell them. Two women from Brownsville, Texas, would come to the residence every two to three weeks topick up money and bring it to Saldanain Mexico,Williams said during the trial. "It's not fair, number one just off the surface level of being arrested for a mental health condition. After partnering with federal drug enforcement agents, Fayetteville police seized drugs, cash, cars and houses. At first we thought she made it up. Spurred by his own fierce addiction, Roger Dale used his connections to gain access to mass quantities of nearly pure crystal meth, dispensing kilograms of drugs that had been smuggled into the region from cartel labs in Mexico. Late Tuesday afternoon, in response to our reporting, CMPD emailed officers, detailing Merriweather's new policy and telling them they "have discretion to police and should continue to police in a way that builds confidence and safety in our community, equipped with the knowledge that certain cases will likely not be prosecuted.". Police discovered a drug ring stretching from Texas to Fayetteville, which may have been operating for 20 years. Graves made a young Platt join protest, read Black history books, watch Black history films and help Black candidates with their political campaigns. He paid taxes, had citizenship and helped raise his three American daughters. At age 5, he said, he watched his father try to stab his mother to death. I want to educate them.. What's the state of child care in your state. Heroin is one of the deadliest killers on our streets. "The bulk smuggling of narcotics is not an anomaly but unfortunately a regular course of business for these trafficking enterprises," Turk said. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department arrested 18 people and seized $3.5 million in heroin, meth, and cocaine in March 2019. 134 likes. she replied. Since 2012, a joint local, state and federal task force known as Operation Dixie Crystalhas led to the convictions of more than 266federal defendants inwestern North Carolinafor meth trafficking, federal officials said. WebHis office is no longer prosecuting most marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine possession cases, including some involving suspected drug dealers and not just WebHe said the largest cartel operating in the Charlotte-area is the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion. And the investigation isnt over. Read our latest blog on how important the 118th Congress is for the fight for affordable and accessible child care for all families.
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